.png&w=1920&q=75)
MA in Ancient History at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya, Palhipatti, Varanasi
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Ancient History at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya, Palhipatti, Varanasi Varanasi?
This MA Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology program at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya focuses on a deep, analytical study of India''''s glorious past, from prehistory to the early medieval period. It emphasizes critical understanding of historical sources, cultural evolution, and archaeological methodologies, aligning with India''''s rich heritage and the growing demand for qualified historians and heritage professionals.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates passionate about India''''s ancient civilizations, aspiring archaeologists, museum curators, and educators. It also suits individuals seeking to contribute to heritage conservation, research, or civil services, providing a robust academic foundation for advanced studies or careers in cultural institutions in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, archaeologists, museum professionals, heritage consultants, and educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities also exist in government departments, NGOs working on heritage, and as researchers for national projects.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Source Criticism & Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Develop strong analytical skills by scrutinizing primary and secondary historical sources. Focus on understanding the context, biases, and authenticity of texts, inscriptions, and archaeological finds. Utilize library resources, online archives like Digital Library of India (DLI), and university databases to gather information.
Tools & Resources
University Library, Digital Library of India (DLI), JSTOR (if accessible)
Career Connection
Crucial for any research-oriented role, civil services, and academic pursuits, enabling reliable historical interpretation and evidence-based analysis.
Building Strong Foundational Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently review core concepts in ancient Indian political, social, economic, and cultural history. Participate actively in lectures and tutorials, and form study groups with peers to discuss complex historical debates. Prioritize understanding chronological frameworks and key historical figures and movements.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Course notes, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is essential for advanced studies, competitive exams (UPSC, state PSCs), and effective teaching in history.
Engaging with Archaeological Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Familiarize yourself with basic archaeological terms, methods, and key sites. Attend any departmental workshops or guest lectures on archaeology. Even without direct field experience, understanding archaeological reports and site interpretations is vital for Ancient History studies.
Tools & Resources
Archaeological texts, Online documentaries (e.g., National Geographic on Indian archaeology)
Career Connection
Beneficial for aspiring archaeologists, heritage managers, and anyone working with material culture, enhancing understanding of primary historical evidence.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Diving into Specific Periods/Topics- (Semester 3-4)
As you progress, identify areas of particular interest (e.g., Mauryan administration, Gupta art, Harappan culture). Read extensively beyond the prescribed syllabus, exploring monographs and research papers. Consider presenting findings in departmental seminars or local history forums.
Tools & Resources
Research papers via Shodhganga, Google Scholar, Specialized historical journals
Career Connection
Develops expertise for M.Phil./Ph.D. research, specialized roles in museums, or subject matter expert positions in publishing and media.
Developing Language Proficiency (Sanskrit/Prakrit/Pali)- (Semester 3-4)
While not always mandatory, learning basic Sanskrit, Prakrit, or Pali can significantly enhance your ability to interpret original texts (e.g., inscriptions, religious scriptures). Utilize online language courses or university language departments for introductory lessons.
Tools & Resources
Online language learning platforms (e.g., LearnSanskrit.org), University''''s Sanskrit department
Career Connection
Opens doors to advanced textual research, epigraphy, numismatics, and academic positions requiring original source interpretation.
Participating in Field Visits & Workshops- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities for field visits to historical sites, museums, and archaeological excavations in and around Varanasi. Attend workshops on epigraphy, numismatics, or heritage management. These practical exposures are invaluable for understanding the tangible aspects of ancient history.
Tools & Resources
University-organized field trips, Local ASI offices, Museums in Varanasi
Career Connection
Essential for practical archaeology, heritage tourism, museum curatorship, and conservation roles, providing hands-on experience.
Advanced Stage
Crafting a Strong Research Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Choose a compelling topic for your final research project or dissertation. Work closely with your supervisor, focusing on originality, robust methodology, and clear argumentation. This is a chance to showcase independent research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, Referencing software (e.g., Zotero), Academic writing guides
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is crucial for Ph.D. admissions, demonstrating research potential for academic and research roles.
Preparing for NET/JRF and Civil Services Exams- (Semester 4)
Begin focused preparation for competitive exams like UGC NET/JRF for lectureship/research, and UPSC Civil Services or State PSCs. Integrate exam-specific study with your MA curriculum, practicing objective questions and essay writing related to Ancient Indian History.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes (if desired), Online test series
Career Connection
Directly impacts career entry into academia (Assistant Professor, JRF) and prestigious government administrative services in India.
Networking with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 4)
Attend historical conferences, seminars, and alumni events. Connect with academics, archaeologists, and heritage professionals. Networking can open doors to internships, research collaborations, and valuable career guidance in the Indian history and archaeology community.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional history associations (e.g., Indian History Congress), Departmental events
Career Connection
Facilitates mentorship, job referrals, and staying informed about opportunities and trends in the field, crucial for career growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: Calculated from syllabus: 80 Credits (20 credits per semester, 4 papers x 5 credits each) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAIHCA101 | भारतीय संस्कृति के तत्व (Elements of Indian Culture) | Core Compulsory | 5 | भारतीय संस्कृति का अर्थ एवं स्वरूप, संस्कार एवं आश्रम व्यवस्था, कलाओं का विकास, शिक्षा एवं साहित्य, वैज्ञानिक चिंतन एवं दर्शन |
| MAIHCA102 | प्राचीन भारतीय इतिहास के स्रोत (Sources of Ancient Indian History) | Core Compulsory | 5 | साहित्यिक स्रोत (धार्मिक, धर्मेतर), विदेशी यात्रियों के विवरण, पुरातात्विक स्रोत (अभिलेख, मुद्राएँ), स्मारक एवं भवन, कलाकृतियाँ एवं मृदभांड |
| MAIHCA103 | भारत का प्रागैतिहासिक एवं आद्यैतिहासिक काल (Pre and Protohistoric India) | Core Compulsory | 5 | पुरापाषाण एवं मध्यपाषाण काल, नवपाषाण संस्कृति, ताम्रपाषाण संस्कृतियाँ, हड़प्पा सभ्यता - उद्भव एवं विस्तार, हड़प्पा सभ्यता - नगर नियोजन, धर्म, पतन |
| MAIHCA104 | भारत का राजनैतिक इतिहास (ई०पू० 600- ई०पू० 325) (Political History of India (600 BC - 325 BC)) | Core Compulsory | 5 | महाजनपद काल, मगध साम्राज्य का उत्कर्ष, शिशुनाग एवं नंद वंश, विदेशी आक्रमण (ईरानी, यूनानी), सिकंदर का आक्रमण एवं प्रभाव |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAIHCA201 | भारत का राजनैतिक इतिहास (ई०पू० 325- ई०पू० 185) (Political History of India (325 BC - 185 BC)) | Core Compulsory | 5 | मौर्य साम्राज्य की स्थापना, चंद्रगुप्त मौर्य एवं चाणक्य, अशोक का धम्म एवं प्रशासन, मौर्यकालीन समाज एवं अर्थव्यवस्था, मौर्य साम्राज्य का पतन |
| MAIHCA202 | भारत का राजनैतिक इतिहास (ई०पू० 185- ई०पू० 319) (Political History of India (185 BC - 319 AD)) | Core Compulsory | 5 | शुंग एवं कण्व वंश, सातवाहन साम्राज्य, हिन्द-यूनानी एवं शक, पार्थियन एवं कुषाण, कुषाणकालीन कला एवं साहित्य |
| MAIHCA203 | भारत का सामाजिक एवं आर्थिक इतिहास (ई०पू० 600- ई०पू० 319) (Socio-Economic History of India (600 BC - 319 AD)) | Core Compulsory | 5 | सामाजिक संरचना एवं वर्ग विभाजन, नारी की स्थिति एवं विवाह संस्था, अर्थव्यवस्था (कृषि, व्यापार), श्रेणी व्यवस्था एवं शिल्प, मुद्रा प्रणाली एवं नगरों का विकास |
| MAIHCA204 | भारत का धार्मिक इतिहास (Religious History of India) | Core Compulsory | 5 | वैदिक धर्म एवं उपनिषद, जैन धर्म का उद्भव एवं सिद्धांत, बौद्ध धर्म का उद्भव एवं सिद्धांत, शैव एवं वैष्णव धर्म, शक्ति उपासना एवं अन्य संप्रदाय |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAIHCA301 | भारत का राजनैतिक इतिहास (ई०पू० 319- ई०पू० 550) (Political History of India (319 AD - 550 AD)) | Core Compulsory | 5 | गुप्त साम्राज्य का उत्कर्ष, समुद्रगुप्त की उपलब्धियाँ, चंद्रगुप्त द्वितीय एवं फाह्यान, गुप्तकालीन प्रशासन एवं न्याय व्यवस्था, गुप्त साम्राज्य का पतन एवं हूण आक्रमण |
| MAIHCA302 | भारत का राजनैतिक इतिहास (ई०पू० 550- ई०पू० 750) (Political History of India (550 AD - 750 AD)) | Core Compulsory | 5 | पुष्यभूति वंश एवं हर्ष, हर्षकालीन प्रशासन एवं धर्म, चालुक्य एवं पल्लव, पल्लव-चालुक्य संघर्ष, पूर्व-मध्यकालीन राजनैतिक स्थिति |
| MAIHCA303 | भारत में कला एवं स्थापत्य (Art and Architecture in India) | Core Compulsory | 5 | प्रागैतिहासिक कला, हड़प्पाकालीन कला, मौर्यकालीन कला एवं स्थापत्य, शुंग-सातवाहन कला, गुप्तकालीन कला एवं स्थापत्य |
| MAIHCA304 | ऐच्छिक प्रश्नपत्र 1 (Elective Paper 1) | Elective (Student chooses one from a list) | 5 | Options vary based on university offerings each year |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAIHCA401 | भारत का राजनैतिक इतिहास (ई०पू० 750- ई०पू० 1200) (Political History of India (750 AD - 1200 AD)) | Core Compulsory | 5 | त्रिपक्षीय संघर्ष (पाल, प्रतिहार, राष्ट्रकूट), चोल साम्राज्य का उत्कर्ष, राजपूत राज्यों का उदय, महमूद गजनवी के आक्रमण, मोहम्मद गोरी के आक्रमण एवं प्रभाव |
| MAIHCA402 | प्राचीन भारतीय सामाजिक एवं आर्थिक व्यवस्था (Ancient Indian Social and Economic System) | Core Compulsory | 5 | वर्ण व्यवस्था एवं जाति प्रथा, अष्टविवाह एवं स्त्री की स्थिति, दास प्रथा एवं सामाजिक गतिशीलता, कृषि व्यवस्था एवं भूमि अनुदान, शिल्प एवं व्यापारिक संगठन |
| MAIHCA403 | ऐच्छिक प्रश्नपत्र 2 (Elective Paper 2) | Elective (Student chooses one from a list) | 5 | Options vary based on university offerings each year |
| MAIHCA404 | शोध प्रविधि एवं पर्यटन (Research Methodology and Tourism) | Core Compulsory | 5 | शोध का अर्थ एवं प्रकार, शोध के चरण एवं परिकल्पना, तथ्य संकलन एवं विश्लेषण, पर्यटन का महत्व एवं प्रकार, धार्मिक एवं सांस्कृतिक पर्यटन |
